The 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible was the collectible soft-top
model in the series that ushered in Dodge's first V-8. The famous Red Ram was
essentially a scaled-down version of the Chrysler Hemi, with smooth manifolding
and porting, jumbo valves set well apart, excellent thermal efficiency, and
considerable high-performance potential.
The 1953 Dodge line was restyled by Virgil Exner (who had come to Chrysler from Studebaker in 1949), and looked lighter and less stodgy than earlier models. The V-8 cars performed well, yet offered good economy. One returned 23.4 mpg in the 1953 Mobilgas Economy Run, while other Red Rams were in the process of breaking 196 North American stock car speed records at Bonneville.
Pluses of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
4,100
Specifications of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
Wheelbase, inches: 114.0
Length, inches: 189.6
Weight, pounds: 3,438
Price, new: $2,494 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
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 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight convertible. See more pictures of Dodge cars. |
The 1953 Dodge line was restyled by Virgil Exner (who had come to Chrysler from Studebaker in 1949), and looked lighter and less stodgy than earlier models. The V-8 cars performed well, yet offered good economy. One returned 23.4 mpg in the 1953 Mobilgas Economy Run, while other Red Rams were in the process of breaking 196 North American stock car speed records at Bonneville.
Pluses of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
- First V-8
- Top-down allure
- Acceptable styling
- High performance
- Reasonable price
- Slow to gain collector recognition
- Modest appreciation potential
4,100
Specifications of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
Wheelbase, inches: 114.0
Length, inches: 189.6
Weight, pounds: 3,438
Price, new: $2,494 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 241.3 cc | 140 | 1953 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Dodge Muscle Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
